The Madlanga Commission has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s urgent directives to establish a special police task team and fast-track criminal investigations into senior law-enforcement officers and municipal officials implicated in corruption and misconduct.

This follows Ramaphosa’s acceptance of its interim recommendations, which triggered criminal referrals, possible suspensions, and heightened oversight of stalled investigations involving senior figures in the SAPS and the City of Ekurhuleni.

Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the president’s response demonstrated political will and urgency, but stressed that the interim report submitted to Ramaphosa does not amount to final findings.

“The commission has not made findings,” Michaels said.

“The report contains recommendations based on prima facie evidence. Those implicated will be allowed to appear before the commission to respond to the allegations and present their version.”

Ramaphosa’s announcement on Thursday outlined sweeping measures, including referrals for criminal investigation against five senior SAPS officials: Major Generals Lesetja Senona and Richard Shibiri, Brigadiers Mbangwa Nkhwashu and Rachel Matjeng, and Sergeant Fannie Nkosi.

The interim report also identified prima facie evidence implicating current and former officials within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD).

Among those named are suspended EMPD Chief Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi, several EMPD officers, former Ekurhuleni City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi, and senior municipal officials linked to fleet management, human resources and legal services.

Michaels said the commission was particularly concerned about delays in existing investigations, including those under the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).

Where cases are already open, the commission has demanded progress updates and explanations for prolonged inaction.

To accelerate accountability, Ramaphosa has instructed Police Minister, Professor Firoz Cachalia, and National Police Commissioner, Gen. Fannie Masemola, to establish a special investigations task team reporting directly to Masemola.

“The urgency is non-negotiable,” Ramaphosa said, arguing that swift implementation of the commission’s recommendations is essential to restore public confidence and rebuild the capacity of institutions mandated to fight crime and corruption.

The commission said it would continue its work, with further hearings expected as implicated individuals are called to account.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

Source link